Mushing

In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto and KP are joined by dryland racer Nova Clifford from New Hampshire. A third-generation musher, Nova shares how she grew up in sled dog racing and how the sport has evolved from large family kennels to modern dryland and mono-sport competition.The conversation covers building a small competitive kennel, training four-dog rig teams, developing leaders, and racing in changing snow conditions across New England and Canada. Nova also discusses competing at the IFSS World Championships, traveling long distances with dogs, and balancing performance with long-term dog development.This episode offers an honest look at the future of mushing through the eyes of a younger generation that values tradition, adaptability, and the bond with their dogs.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out hereFacebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: [email protected]

In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto turns the tables and interviews longtime musher KP about his 40-plus years in sled dog racing. The conversation spans sprint, dryland, and open-class racing across Europe, the Lower 48, Canada, and Alaska.KP shares his favorite and most challenging races, including the Eagle River Classic, Fur Rondy, and international events in Spain and Scandinavia. He talks about racing Siberians, transitioning to Eurohounds, building kennels in Europe and Alaska, and how the sport has changed financially, culturally, and structurally over the decades.The episode also includes a candid discussion about lifestyle sacrifice, the true cost of mushing, and why this season may be KP’s final year of competitive racing. This is a reflective, honest look at mushing from someone who has lived it at every level.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: [email protected]

After a multi-year hiatus, The Dog Driver is back. In this episode, Robert Forto and Kourosh Partow explain why they decided to revive the podcast and why the timing matters for the future of mushing and dog-powered sports.The conversation looks back at the original Dog Driver series, which featured over 200 guests from around the world, and explores how the sport has changed in recent years.Topics include the growth of dryland racing, the decline in traditional open-class participation, the role of local clubs such as the Chugiak Dog Mushers Association, and the challenges of maintaining trails, races, and community in a changing sport.This episode lays the foundation for The Dog Driver's new direction, focusing on sprint mushing, dryland racing, real people in the sport, and keeping the fire alive for the next generation of dog drivers.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: [email protected]

Dryland mushing isn’t just for Alaska. In this episode of Mushing, Robert Forto interviews Christine Taylor and Alexandra Crossett, two competitive mushers from New Jersey who are proving that dog-powered sports can thrive far from traditional sled dog country.Christine and Alexandra explain how they discovered the sport, the early dogs who started it all, and how their local club, the Jersey Sands Sled Dog Racing Association, helped them move from recreational runs to the IFSS Dryland World Championships. They share what training looks like in the Pine Barrens, why some trails won’t allow bikes, the impact of weather on racing conditions, and the community support that got their teams to a global event.They also talk about:Bikejor, scooter, and rig racingTraining before dawn and after dark to protect dog healthTrail access issues and laws impacting the sportThe gear they never run without (helmets and eye protection)How climate and race logistics will shape the future of mushingGrowing canine sports for new pet owners and working breedsWhether you're a racer, adventurer, or curious dog enthusiast, this is a powerful inside look at the evolving world of dryland mushing.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: [email protected]

What does it take to represent Mexico on the world stage of dryland mushing? In this episode, we talk with Elly Lugo, a CaniCross and scooter musher who traveled from central Mexico to compete at the Dryland World Championships in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Elly is a mom of three, a former marathon runner, and a dedicated athlete building the future of dog-powered sports in her region.She shares how she qualified for Team Mexico, how the public is learning to understand mushing, the breeds her family runs (GSPs, Eurohounds, a Border Collie, and a Golden Retriever), and what’s next as Mexico prepares to host the Continental Championships in November 2026.If you care about spreading the sport, building community, and running dogs with heart, you’ll love this conversation.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: [email protected]